Dick Lucas on Mark’s Gospel – volume 2

Back in January, we noted that a series of recordings by Dick Lucas, to help God’s people think through the meaning of Mark’s Gospel, had been published by St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.

“The most recent fruits of his retirement are recordings of his latest reflections on Scripture, aimed primarily at the Bible expositor but suitable for everyone. Recorded in his kitchen, where most of his sermon preparation takes place, they are starting to be published just prior to Christmas 2016.”

At that point, his observations on Mark 1-8 were available. Now Volume two, covering chapters 9-16, is also online.

“This is a significant development because it is the first time ever that Dick has covered the whole of the second half of the gospel in consecutive Bible exposition.”

Our thanks to Dick Lucas, and to St. Helen’s, for making these available.

Moore Theological College Open Week, May 8 – 12, 2017

Moore College is holding its next Open Week from Monday 8th May.

Click the image for a larger version, or go here for details of what’s on.

‘Not an attempt to storm Lambeth Palace’ — Peter Jensen

“GAFCON, a worldwide group of conservative Anglicans, has told Premier it’s not looking to break up the Church of England but is instead working to keep Anglican Communion united. …

Addressing the issue on Premier’s News Hour, Most Rev Peter Jensen, GAFCON’s General Secretary and a former Archbishop of Sydney, said: “There are many issues that divide us, where we have diverse opinions, and that’s OK — but some of them are so important that a stand has to be taken. A painful and costly stand.’…”

– Listen to the interview here. (h/t Anglican Mainstream.)

What Justification means

“The eleventh Article is so crucial that no apology need be offered for dwelling a little upon it.

Luther has been severely criticised for declaring that Justification by Faith only was ‘Articulus aut stantis aut cadentis ecclesiae,’ ‘The Article of a standing or a falling Church.’ But it may confidently be declared that the whole Reformation movement stands or falls according to the interpretation placed on Justification. …”

– The Australian Church Record has republished T.C. Hammond’s commentary on Article XI, Of the Justification of Man.

The real reasons your people aren’t turning up to church every week

“Church just feels like a sanctified busy activity or round of activities. And activity and a perceived requirement to be active is wearing people out.

For the average family juggling mortgage repayments in the commuter belt, working two jobs, with three kids in two different schools ten kilometres from each other, and ageing parents two hours drive away, busy is the enemy, whether that’s secular busy or church busy. Church no longer looks like a safe place, regardless of whether it’s signed up to Safe Churches or not. Church feels like a busy place, and busy is no longer safe. …”

– Stephen McAlpine in Perth responds to a recent article on declining church attendance among evangelical Christians.

Oak Hill Commentary — special tribute to Mike Ovey

Recently, Oak Hill College published a special edition of their Commentary magazine, “in thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Mike Ovey”.

It includes contributions from Don Carson, Mark Thompson, David Peterson and William Taylor.

If you haven’t seen it, you can read the issue online, or download the 4MB PDF file (direct link). Most honouring to the Lord Jesus.

Bishop Greg Thompson to be farewelled

The Diocese of Newcastle is holding a Farewell Service for Bishop Greg Thompson.

Sunday 21st May, 6:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle.

Keeping the faith: Andrew Hastie on poetry, political courage, and not banning the burka

“Andrew Hastie has been typecast as a Christian politician from day one.

While he says that can be frustrating, it’s meant he’s never felt the need to hide who he is.

The member for Canning has been in the spotlight for his views on same-sex marriage and changes to racial hate laws.

But he says at the heart of his worldview is the belief that everyone is equal and has dignity.

And he says that plays into his views on all policies. …”

– The ABC’s Alexandra Beech has this piece on Andrew Hastie, the member for Canning in Western Australia. (Photo by Alexandra Beech / ABC News.)

Mainstream … or on the margins?

“If ever we could have considered the church to be a core part of Australian culture (and that’s not at all certain), the Christian church is now being slowly edged to one side. It is increasingly less mainstream.

Have you noticed though that there are key moments in the year’s calendar and certain elements of our culture where we’re let back in? It’s strange, but true. Consider… ”

– John Wilson, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, offers encouragement to take the opportunities we do have to share the Christian hope.

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